Enver Jusufovic remains optimistic about Pinstriped’s chances in Saturday’s Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, despite a disappointing run in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m).

The gelding finished second-last in the Orr, but Jusufovic insists the race did not go according to plan.

“Going into the race, from barrier 10, I did the form, and the speed map, and the number one spot, and I think everybody had the same idea, was to be behind Mr Brightside,” Jusufovic said.

Pinstriped struggled to find a comfortable position, eventually dropping back to last and never fully recovering.

“We didn’t have the speed out of the barriers to get in front of him early, so I said to Ben (Allen), hopefully something will be in the three-wide line, and you can track them, otherwise you will have to go back to last.

“I think by going back to last, he really switched off.”

Despite the underwhelming result, Pinstriped’s sectionals suggest his run was not as poor as it seemed.

“I thought he would run on a bit better than what he did, so it was a bit of a head scratcher,” Jusufovic admitted.

Encouragingly, the gelding has responded well in training and remains in peak condition.

“Since then, the horse has felt great. He’s come on from that run, so there’s no reason not to run him in the Futurity as he’s usually a genuine horse.”

Post-race tests confirmed there were no health concerns, and his work rider, Linda, has been pleased with his efforts.

“We’ve put him over a few poles during the week, just to switch things up, and that’s brightened him up a bit,” Jusufovic said.

“Sometimes you can overanalyse things, and it’s better to just move on. What’s happened, happened.”